1845 $1 PR67 NGC. Ex: Pittman-Kaufman. Two different
varieties of 1845 proof dollars are known, and the Kaufman
Collection coin is easily the finest of either variety. In fact,
only two other examples of the 14 or so pieces known fall within
two points of this magnificent Superb Gem proof. To illustrate the
remarkable achievement of Phil Kaufman, consider that NGC has only
graded three pre-1856 Seated dollars in PR67 (1845, 1848, and 1849)
and the Kaufman Collection contains all three! PCGS has not graded
any dollars from this date range in PR66 or PR67.

David Akers considers it the finest proof Seated dollar he has seen
from the entire decade. Phil Kaufman's Superb Gem proof 1845 dollar
is pedigreed to the John Jay Pittman Collection, where it was part
of Pittman's "Complete 1845 Proof Set in Original Case."

In his discussion of this coin, David Akers writes:

"This proof silver dollar is essentially perfect and is
unquestionably the finest proof dollar of the decade that I have
ever seen. It is fully struck with a sharp square edge and deep
mirror fields that are immaculate and pristine. The few lines
present in the fields are actually planchet lines that were not
eliminated by the minting process; they are not hairlines. The
toning is as extraordinary and perfect as the technical quality of
the surfaces, a superb medium multicolored iridescent blend of
reddish-gold, which is the predominant color, and considerate
violet and blue. Every star is boldly defined with all of its
radial lines, and the head and foot of Liberty are extremely sharp.
All of the eagle's features and talons are also fully struck."

In addition to Akers' thorough description of this marvelous coin,
we would note that the mildly frosted motifs stand out against the
mirrored fields at all angles, but especially when the coin is
tilted under a light source. We would also mention that the
reddish-gold color alluded to by Akers dominates the central areas
of both sides. This patina gives way to golden-brown, violet, and
cobalt-blue at the borders. The surfaces are essentially perfect,
with an entire absence of pedigree markers on either side.

Two varieties of the proof 1845 dollars are known. Variety 1 has a
recut date with 84 doubled. The shield point is above the serif of
the 1, left of the upright. The reverse is the proof die of 1840.
Variety 2 has a normal date with the shield point above the upright
of the 1. The reverse is the same proof die of 1840.

The following roster is ordered by quality, with the specific
variety of each piece identified. Most of the following 14 examples
are lower quality, including impaired pieces. The Superb Gem
Kaufman coin stands above all others.